Head Lice Containment

Don't let the idea of head lice paralyze you. Although they're very prevalent, and most kids will get them at some point in their lives, lice aren't caused by being dirty. Head lice are very easily spread among the population. Although they don't jump or fly, any direct contact can result in yet another person being infected.

That contact may be a hat or scarf from an infected person. It may even be a simple hug hello where your head touches another. The point to remember is that head lice are a nuisance and not a health risk.

Although a blood sucking parasite, lice do not carry disease like mosquitoes. The biggest problem caused by a lice infestation is the embarrassment of having them in the first place. But once someone in your family does have lice, you need to take direct and decisive action to limit the potential spread of the infestation.

Consider these actions as being a pre-emptive strike against the lice invaders. The first order of business must be to limit the potential for others in the family to become infected. This is done by...

1. Limit the area of Outbreak. Try to limit the person with the head lice from general areas of the house. They could sit on the sofa, eggs may then fall off only to be picked up later by another family member. The result is 2 people with lice instead of one. Keep them limited until you get a quality medicated shampoo and treat the head lice problem.

2. Limit the areas where other children might come in contact with lice or their eggs. This means that the bedroom of the person with lice is off limits until it's treated. An inadvertent moment where someone may lay down on the bed opens the opportunity for another infection. Keep the non lice people out of the others room if only as a precaution.

Remember that lice neither fly nor jump huge distances. A louse can only survive a few days at most without food. This means that left on their own, lice will die off naturally. The problem however is that the nits or eggs may incubate for a week or more before hatching. The point here is not to worry about being attacked by head lice but be cautious.

3. Remove all combs, brushes, hair care products that come in direct contact with hair. This means hair bands, bobby pins, clips etc. All should be put into a plastic bag and sealed until they can be sterilized. Be certain to also wash the counter where the brush might have laid. You can't be to careful in dealing with a head lice infestation.

4. Remove all jackets, scarves and other outer wear that may have been used. If hung in a common closet, remove all jackets for a good washing. Again, you can't be to careful.

Although many people will consider some of these tactics overkill, the fact is that a single female louse can lay up to 200 eggs in a month, This means there is the potential of hundreds of thousands of eggs and adults infecting your home within as little as 2-3 months.

Don't risk it. Contain the problem then work to treat each area in a methodical way and soon you home will be once again lice free.